daniel chigunwe
Joseph Madzimure Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Rwanda are working on modalities to intensify the fight against insurgents in Mozambique to ensure peace prevails on the African continent.
Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri who is on a two-day visit to Rwanda met with her Rwandan counterpart Major General Albert Murasira where the issue of insurgency in neighbouring Mozambique was discussed at length.
“They (Rwanda) want to exchange information on what is happening in Mozambique particularly in Cabo Delgado, so we want to take advantage of the bilateral relations. We exchanged notes and we are now finding ways on how we can deal with insurgencies in Mozambique since we are going to be deploying forces.
“We are the region that is housing Mozambique which is dear to our hearts because it’s an economic hub for all the countries in the region. Countries rely on Mozambique for exporting minerals, for exporting technology, and exporting food. We also get our oil through Mozambique,” she said.
Just like Rwanda which has already deployed troops, Zimbabwe is sending a team of 304 defence instructors t to train Mozambican troops as part of its commitment to the SADC Standby Force Mission. Rwanda which is not part of SADC has deployed more than 1000 soldiers who have already killed 30 insurgents in joint military campaigns with Mozambique.
“Mozambique is very critical to us. An attack on Mozambique is an attack to Zimbabwe, so as Rwanda that is the message,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Zimbabwe and Rwanda are also working towards improving bilateral ties to better their economies.
“It’s a very short visit but it means a lot to us because you see our principals are pushing us to strengthen our trade relations which is very low at the moment. We need to explore our energy sector, tourism sector among others,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri was invited to Rwanda by her counterpart Major General Murasira who is the Rwandan Minister of Defence.
“I came here at the invitation of the Rwandese Minister of Defence to once again explore ways that we can strengthen our relationship.
Online Reporter